John Flynn

John Flynn began writing songs professionally after graduating from Temple University with a degree in political science in 1980. He intended to study law, but a brief sojourn to Nashville’s Music Row led to a change of plans in the form of a publishing contract with Combine Music, and a Billboard Magazine Top Forty country recording of his song Rainbows and Butterflies by Epic recording artist Billy Swan (I Can Help). Flynn’s writing, however, proved too introspective and poetic for country music and, one early hit notwithstanding, he eventually concluded that the only category he wanted his songs to fit neatly into was the one called “from the heart”. Despite, or perhaps because of this, John’s songs have been recorded by a wide range of artists, from Chris LeDoux to Full Frontal Folk.

During the early 90’s, Flynn returned to his native Philadelphia where his first self-released CD’s began to receive extensive airplay by AAA radio giant WXPN. A standing ovation followed his first main stage appearance at the 1995 Philadelphia Folk Festival, cementing John’s regional reputation as a dynamic and original contemporary folk artist. During these years, songs Flynn wrote for his four children became the basis of two highly acclaimed family CDs, garnering Flynn repeat appearances on the Peabody Award-winning children’s radio
program “Kid’s Corner”, the American Library Association’s Notable Recording Award, and an ever increasing number of requests to visit schools where he continues to perform hugely popular assemblies and conduct creative writing workshops. In 1997, his self titled release on fledgling Sliced Bread Records was produced by Grammy winner Ben Wisch and yielded John critical acclaim and a
national top-fifteen slot on the Americana charts. A live album followed and showcased not only Flynn’s songwriting but his emerging gifts as a performer and entertainer.

In the new millennium, John Flynn, has begun to speak and write on political and social justice issues. His last CD, Dragon (MettaFour Records) reunited Flynn with producer Ben Wisch and features backing vocals by Kris Kristofferson. Dragon was among the twenty most played albums in folk music in 2004, making many year-end top-ten lists. It continues to receive extensive international airplay. One track from the CD, Angel Dawson, was included in the 2005 season finale of the CBS network television show “Joan of Arcadia”.

In recent years John has toured extensively playing folk festivals, theaters, clubs, church basements and coffeehouses. Presented simply, with nothing more than an old Martin D-28 and harmonica, John’s compelling songs, strong voice and open-hearted approach to his audiences, are making strangers believers, and believers friends throughout the country. John Flynn continues his journey with his new CD, Two Wolves.